O’Malley Irish Dancers Place 7th in the World

Only the best of the best are lucky enough to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championships, and this year, four senior dancers from O’Malley Irish Dance Academy of Brooklyn and Breezy Point were among the competitors in Montréal, Canada. 

The World Championships, which features more than 2,500 competitors, were held from April 2 to April 9. Dancers from across the world, from age 8 to 47, participated in solo and céilí traditional Irish step competitions at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal (Montreal Convention Centre).

In the 4-hand team event, the team comprised of Rockaway’s own Molly Grimaldi, as well as Reagan Murphy, Jack Murphy and Thomas Byrnes of Brooklyn. These friends and teammates placed seventh in the world!

O’Malley Irish Dance Academy shared the news on social media saying, “With one of them with an Achilles injury for the last couple of weeks and another away at college playing competitive rugby, plus three of them actively assisting in our younger classes — what an accomplishment!!! They made the time. They worked together!  They are proud owners of a WORLD MEDAL!” the Facebook post said. “Our school, our neighborhood(s) and our Region is SO proud of Jack, Molly, Reagan and Tommy! Huge thanks to our teachers Lisa and Cassie who went up to the competition! Our assistant coach Katie (and acting as Tommy’s mom) and our team moms Tricia and Marylou! What a wonderful crew we have!”